March 06, 2014

Nation's African-American Doctors to Convene in DC; Will Discuss Affordable

Silver Spring, MD - The nation’s oldest and largest organization representing African American physicians, the National Medical Association (NMA), will host it’s 16th National Colloquium on African American Health, March 8-11, at the Marriott Metro Center Hotel in Washington, DC.

Among the critical issues to be addressed by physicians and experts from around the nation will be the many challenges and opportunities posed by the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the possible harm faced by millions in those particular states that have resisted imposing the law. According to NMA President, Dr. Michael LeNoir, “Our members are on the front lines of healthcare delivery and see the outcome of the disparities. They have expressed the opinion that attempts to sabotage the act ignore the health insurance needs of millions of Americans, especially African Americans.”

In addition to the Affordable Care Act, the Colloquium will explore several other issues that impact healthcare in the African American community such as the treatment of Hepatitis C; high blood pressure and heart disease; HIV/AIDS; Sickle Cell; tobacco related diseases; and diversity in clinical research.

Also, on Monday, March 10, the NMA will announce a major partnership initiative with key segments of the Faith Based community and Enroll America, the nation’s leading healthcare enrollment coalition. Other notable activities during the Colloquium include:

  • March 8 (8:30 am) - Colloquium Welcome featuring NMA President Dr. Michael LeNoir and Joe E. Armstrong, President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
  • March 8 (9:00 am) – Opening session, “Implementation of the Affordable Care Act” featuring J. Nadine Garcia, M.D., MSCE, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, Director, Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), George Strait, former ABC Correspondent for Medical News and Catherine Pugh, Maryland State Senator.
  • March 8 (3:15 pm) – Town Hall: “Increasing the Roles of Minority Faith-Based Communities Involvement in ACA Implementation” featuring Etoy Ridgnal, Enroll America’s Director, African American Engagement and Faith Based Initiatives.
  • March 10 (10:30 am) – Press briefing regarding a nationwide NMA, Enroll America and Faith Based community partnership.
  • March 10 (11:00 am) – “Congressional Black Caucus Session: Understanding the Legislative Process” featuring Rep. Donna M. Christensen, M.D. (D-Virgin Islands), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC).

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